The Subcommittee on Health will now come to order.  I thank everyone for attending this hearing.  

The purpose of today’s hearing is to examine the VA’s implementation of the enhanced contract care pilot program for rural veterans.  This pilot program was authorized in the 110th Congress, and had an effective date of 120 days after October 10, 2008.  However, the pilot program remains unavailable to eligible veterans.

We know that about 40 percent or nearly 3 million veterans who use the VA health care system live in rural areas, which includes over 100,000 veterans who reside in highly rural areas.  This trend is likely to continue since a large number of our men and women serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan are recruited from our rural communities. 

I recognize and appreciate the VA’s efforts in addressing the health care needs of our rural veterans who are more likely to be in poorer health than their urban counterparts. However, more work remains in this area as our rural veterans face unique challenges that are both extensive and complex.  The enhanced contract care pilot program is a potential tool for expanding access to health care for our rural veterans in areas where the VA is unable to provide care.   

I would like to learn more about the steps that the VA has taken to implement the enhanced contract care pilot program.  I also would like to fully understand any potential barriers that are hindering the implementation of this important pilot program. 

I look forward to hearing the testimonies of our invited witnesses today.